I had the opportunity to stop by, as I call it, "The Mother Ship" while on route to my wife's lame sororities' 100th year get together in Missoula in October.

I got ahold of Sam through email and he was nice enough to show me around. I have to say I was excited to be there, like a kid going to Disneyland. I had dreams of secret lightweight elves working away on stoves, packs and other crazy lightweight creations...

To my surprise these guys have the same philosophy in offices as they do backpacking.. small, only what you need and no frills... I don't think I even saw a coffee machine.

Sam did let me spy on some new gear they are working on and I felt like I was at Langley getting the inside scoop.

All in all it was a great visit and Sam was very hospitable. Ryan was sick that week but, oh well, next time.

It is very important for people to know that we DO IN FACT HAVE A COFFEE MAKER!!! Ryan and I are both utter coffee fiends!

Okay, now that that's out of the way, yes this will be where we're housing our inventory and I'm planning a very small, limited hours retail space for those who are in the area wanting to drop by and check out stuff in person.

ps - Not to hint at anything but Peter was nice enough to bring a twelve pack of the good stuff for me ; )

The place looks exactly like what I expected funny enough, quaint yet funtional. Looks like a relaxed work space, nothing like the crammed in space of 2000 people in 18 building floors I have to deal with.